BEREA: In the past two games, Browns defensive end Shaun Smith has been more active and seems to be developing a rapport with nose tackle Ethan Kelley.

But that progress may have been interrupted Thursday when Smith hurt his knee in practice. He was listed as questionable Friday and sat out as the Browns prepared for Sunday's game at Baltimore.

''It's sore, and there is no operation needed,'' Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. ''He's day to day.''

Smith, a free agent from Cincinnati, has started at left end for the past four games. Last week at Pittsburgh, he recorded five tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. He notched three tackles and two quarterback pressures against Seattle.

He and Kelley look to be part of a youth movement as 12-year defensive end Orpheus

Roye sees his time dwindling. He has totaled four tackles in the past four games.

Crennel said that should Smith not play, Louis Leonard would be the backup nose tackle if Kelley is needed at end. Leonard was claimed off waivers from St. Louis on Oct. 8.

''It's been going good,'' Leonard said. ''I know the system now. If he's not ready, I'll be ready to step up.''

The situation improved for Cleveland's banged-up linebacking corps. D'Qwell Jackson (ankle) is questionable and was limited in practice, while Antwan Peek (knee) and Willie McGinest (hamstring) participated fully and are probable.

Cornerback Leigh Bodden (back) is also probable, along with fullback Lawrence Vickers, who missed practice because of a dental issue.

For the Ravens, tight end Todd Heap (thigh) sat out for the third consecutive day and is questionable. So is cornerback Chris McAlister (knee), who missed practice after being limited the previous two days. Safety Ed Reed (back) is probable.

Smith's chance

With quarterback Steve McNair out with a partial dislocation of his nonthrowing shoulder, Kyle Boller takes over for the Ravens and rookie Troy Smith, last year's Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State, moves up to No. 2.

Smith, who slipped to the fifth round of the draft largely because he's only 6 feet tall, has not played in the regular season. This week in a radio interview on Cleveland's WKNR, he hinted that coach Brian Billick might put in a special package to use his athleticism.

Asked whether Smith is ready to play, Billick said: ''As ready as any rookie quarterback who hasn't seen a snap yet. That's a tough load. He has worked hard. He has a grasp of the offense, and if he gets put in that position, the game is going to get fast and big. But he knows that. He has been in big games before. He knows what it's like with the bright lights on. It will certainly be an experience for him.''

Ravens linebacker Bart Scott said Smith is ''a very mature guy.''

''He's very businesslike, very confident,'' Scott said. ''He walks around with his chest up and his head up. He demands respect, and he gets it. He's wise beyond his years, as well. I think he's developing very well, but at the same time, he's still a rookie quarterback, and it's tough.

''If you throw a guy in there too early, it's like a baptism by fire and you can ruin guys early, shake their confidence.

''But he's a very good quarterback. He keeps the ball up high and tight and is always in a position to deliver the football. He's not the tallest quarterback, so he uses the same lanes to run through and to pass through. I think he found a very good knack, and he's able to work with it.''

Braylon's pick

It was no surprise that Michigan product Braylon Edwards picked the Wolverines in today's game against Ohio State. Edwards expected Wolverines running back Mike Hart to play but wasn't sure about quarterback Chad Henne.

''Ohio State showed it's vulnerable on Saturday,'' Edwards said of the loss to Illinois. ''The big thing for Michigan is if everybody's healthy, we'll have the best shot.''

Asked whether Saturday will be coach Lloyd Carr's last game, Edwards said: ''I'm not sure. If it is, he's had a great career up there, a lot of wins, a national championship. It was fun playing for him. If not, I look forward to seeing him again next year.''